A gang of masked youths threatened a security guard with hammers and smashed up several cars at a student halls in Edinburgh.
The gang of three conducted the attack at Pollock Halls in the early hours of Wednesday morning last week and attempted to steal a motorcycle from the building’s car park.
After confronting the youths, a security guard was reportedly forced back inside after being threatened by the trio.
From there, the group rampaged around the car park, smashing up several cars and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Police were alerted during the incident, but the suspects fled before they could be apprehended.
A source at Pollock Halls, who wished to remain anonymous, said all members of the gang were wearing balaclavas.
One member of the group is understood to have scouted out the car park on an e-bike hours before the attempted robbery, before returning with two others.
All three were armed with hammers.
They added: “They were then confronted by a member of the security team, whom they threatened with hammers – at which point, the police were called.
“In retaliation, they began smashing cars parked on site.”
It’s thought that seven cars were trashed by the gang, although neither police nor the university confirmed this figure.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.15am on Wednesday, 26 August, 2026, we received a report of vandalism to cars at Holyrood Park Road in Edinburgh. Enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0264 of 26 August, 2026.”
Pollock Halls of Residence, on Holyrood Park Road, south of the city centre, houses more than 2,000 students for most of the year.
Between May and September, however, the halls are converted into a hotel and are a popular base for Fringe performers.
The facility is owned and operated by The University of Edinburgh. When contacted, a spokesperson from the university said they had nothing to add.
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